Univ. of Michigan Severs Ties with Russell

The University of Michigan has ended its licensing agreement with Russel Corp. over what it said is the company's denials of workers' rights in Honduras, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Russell closed the plant in Cholom, Honduras in 2007 after 750 of 1800 workers formed a union, the report says.

The announcement follows on the heels of several institutions that have cut ties with the apparel-maker, including Georgetown, Wisconsin, Miami, Rutgers, Columbia, Purdue and Cornell.

According to the Associated Press, University of Michigan spokeswoman Kelly Cunningham said Monday a panel at the school found that Russell broke its own rules and violated workers' freedom of association.